Castilla saves T.B. a bundle

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Devil Rays took a loss on Vinny Castilla's contract, but they might have softened the blow.

In an agreement that apparently facilitated his release last week, Castilla deferred a substantial portion of the approximately $6.8-million owed him on his 2001 contract. Exact figures were not available, but it is believed Castilla agreed to defer as much as $2-million.

Several reports earlier in the season indicated the Rays offered to release Castilla in April if he would agree to waive the remainder of his salary, but he declined.

Most of the veterans on the roster have agreed in the past 18 months to defer portions of their salaries. The players get interest on the deferred amounts, but the arrangement provides the franchise with more cash to operate in the short term.